Really Big News

Sadly, it's not that I'm getting published.  (OH I WISH!).  In fact, it's way more personal, it's something that I've debated about putting out there on the blogosphere at all, it's something that I'm really nervous about.

It's also something that, after this post, I'm not going to be talking about on here again. Not because I'm embarrassed, but because I'll be talking about it on another website.  A lot!

I'm having Lap Band surgery.

Facts:

• I'm significantly overweight. I have been for all of my adult years.


• I've tried many different diet options over the years, most of which inevitably make me feel both more out of control and less proud of myself and my body, both of which are contributing factors to my weight increasing.


• I'm 24, I'm a diabetic, and I'm so, so sick of being brutally unhealthy and increasingly afraid of my life because the longer I live the more likely I am to develop complications of both diabetes and obesity.


• I hate the word obesity.


• The Lap Band procedure is much, much safer than the gastric bypass, partially because it doesn't cut your stomach anywhere (the organ, there are small incisions made in the abdomen) and the weight loss is slow and steady, roughly 2 pounds a week I'm told--which, if we're in a comparative mood, is exactly the projected loss that Weight Watchers gives you.


• This won't be fun, or easy.  That's ok.


• Statistically, you're more like to lose the weight and keep it off than with gastric bypass or any other diet option.


• I've been judged by other people for this decision, most notably a close friend that called it "convenient" and suggested it was waving a magic wand over my problem with weight.  I think that opinion was very misinformed and I don't agree with it; I know that by putting this all out there, some people will agree with that friend and some people won't.  What really matters is that it's the right decision for me, and I'm sharing it now because I want to help other people in my same situation.


• Final fact: I've been hired as a writer for MyBigLife.com, a site all about weight loss surgery.  I'm going to be blogging about my experience (and even video blogging, a first for me!).  So, really, I'll be talking about this a LOT...and I'll put up the links as soon as the site is live.

So I know that by posting this here (which gets cross posted on my blog, http://www.finalword.org and Facebook) I know that this is kind of a big step--it's telling family, friends, and the anonymous crowd of non responsive web people (not to even mention logging it for posterity) but this is a decision that was a really, really long time in the making.  I'm nervous, I'm excited, and I'm really hoping that people will be supportive--but if you're not, that's ok too.

Comments

[Becky]

Congratulations and all the luck in the world, lovely!

[Nacie]

You are doing what is right for you, your body, and your health and you should be nothing but proud. You have my support, and congrats on the fabulous video blogging gig! xoxox

[Support and PSYCH MAJOR SYNDRO]

[...] off, I want to thank everyone who was so supportive about my Really Big News.  To those of you who read this on my blog (www.finalword.org) but especially to everyone who [...]

[Lisa]

Hey, welcome to bandlandia (or soon anyhow). I've been banded 6 months and it has been an EXCELLENT decision for me. Hope all goes well for you.

[This is the Fear | the final w]

[...] to secure any kind of permanent interest or contract.  And since I’ve been facing up to my fears and shortcomings lately, I’ll cop to this [...]